Shaking Things Up

I can honestly say that life has been insane lately.

Seriously, I can't even process some of the things that have happened to me in the last few weeks. It's almost like I'm having these out-of-body experiences...I'm witnessing myself do things I never ever dreamed I would do. In reality, I should stop being so surprised by this. I have a tendency of saying that about a lot of the things I've done this past year...but it's all so true! I've come a long way since the Europe adventure of Summer 2010 and I'm glad to know, that at age 22, I'm still surprising myself almost daily. It's actually rather nice.

Over the Canada Day/Fourth of July weekend I went to the Toronto Couch Crash (basically a big couch surfing festival, and it was Gay Pride weekend as well.) My friend Julie and I went together, experiencing our first night of formal surfing. It was a blast! Our host, Stephanie, was fabulous and we met so many amazing people. I could sit here and write about each and every one of them, but that's rather time consuming (and it's getting pretty late, this lady needs to work in the AM.) We did meet a group of awesome people from Rochester though. Two of the fellas, Joe and Greg, both live in a co-op house in Rochester. I've since been up to visit twice, taking part in their monthly vegetarian/vegan potluck last week and attending trivia at the Old Toad last night. I've met a lot of really rockin' people through these meet-ups, and I'm wicked stoked to expand my horizons right now. Both Joe and Greg are really interesting as well, I enjoy talking to the both of them and learning all sorts of different things from them.

Anyways, I'm just really excited about where my life is at the moment and the direction it, at least, seems to be heading in. I was reflecting on the last 22 years and, while they've been solid, it's this past one that has really had such a resounding impact on me and has shaken things up so much. I'm definitely ready to see what the next few steps are going to be! I've got big plans, and nothing's going to get in the way this time!

Oh, also, I'm finally learning Italian! Well, I think I am at least. Joe and I were discussing it last night, I plan on definitely following through with this (it will make my current plans go much smoother!)

Peace and Love.

Childhood and Gratitude

Nothing quite reminds you of your childhood like watching the fireworks on the fourth of July. This was my first fourth of July stateside in numerous years. While I didn't have a voice (courtesy of my epic Couch Surfing weekend in Toronto), I still went to the local Muckdogs baseball game with my brother and some friends. The game was nice and all, but it was when my brother leaned over to tell me a joke that only we would get, seeing as it was from firework-watching when we were young, that my heart just melted.

I'm so proud to be from this country. I'm so happy to have grown up in the city I did. I'm scared and excited and ready for the next step in my life...but, thankfully, Monday reminded me that home will always be ready and waiting for my return. There's nothing you could tell me is more important than little moments like that.

Peace and Love.